Very few things can keep Troy Tulowitzki out of the starting lineup, but illness managed to do that for tonight’s game against the Padres. The shortstop, a prime contender for National League rookie of the year, will be replaced by Jamey Carroll. Coming into tonight’s game, Tulowitzki had started 93 of 99 games at short.

Rookie right-hander Ubalido Jimenez makes the first start of his career at Coors Field tonight. His ability to mix and match his 97 mph fastball with a 70 mph curve makes him a tremendous prospect. However, until he commands his fastball with greater consistency, he’ll remain a project. That said, the Rockies could sure use six or seven strong innings from him tonight, especially since they’ll be facing the Padres’ Chris Young, the 6-foot-10 right-hander who’s dominated the Rockies.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.